Hotpoint Dryer has burning smell, checked vent--ok,checked screen just inside--ok. Drum turns. Four screws on back with depression space are extremely hot.

DRYER SMELLS LIKE BURNING:

Answer:First, Stop using your dryer until this problem is resolved. This is a fire hazard and could cause a fire.
Your issue is more than likely alint build up problem. The lint that comes off of your clothes as you dry them becomes trapped in the dryer itself and in the venting duct that connects from the back of the dryer to the wall.
The first thing to do is todisconnect powerby unplugging the dryer cord from the wall. Slide the dryer away from the wall slowly.Remove the hose ductthat attaches to the back of the dryer. Look inside the hose duct and if you see heavy lint build up, that is most likely your problem. If you have a shop vac vacuum or similar, use the long wand attachment tovacuum out the lintthat is in the duct. The best way to do this is to completely remove the vent duct from the wall and dryer.Vacuum the inside of the ductto clean it out. Alsovacuum in the vent hole in the wallwhere the duct attaches to the wall and remove any lint that may be blocking air flow. Put everything back together and test your dryer to see if the burning smell has been resolved.


NOTE: There may be heavy build up of lint deep in the wall. You can purchase aDryer Vent Cleaning Kitthat may make your job of cleaning the vent much easier. However, it may be best to call a Dryer Vent Cleaning Company as they have the equipment that is needed to remove all lint in the wall that could cause a fire. We know everyone wants to save money and "do it yourself" but when it comes to safety, money should not be an issue.
If the burning smell is still present, you cantake the dryer apartandtry vacuuming out any lintthat may be built up on the inside of the dryer. Do a search for your dryer model name and number onGoogleto see how your particular dryer model is disassembled. If you are not comfortable taking your dryer apart then it is advised to call an appliance repair company as your issue can cause a fire.
There are other reasons for your dryer to have a burning smell. There could be an electrical issue inside your dryer. This may mean that a certain part or electrical board is going bad or is bad. Another common reason for this issue is something is near the heating element inside the dryer and causing the burning smell. If you have an older clothes dryer, it may be possible that the components are past its life span and it is time to purchase a new dryer. If you want your dryer to be looked at by a professional, it may be time to call an appliance repair company to come out and check your dryer.
There are plenty of videos that can help you to determine what may be wrong with your dryer. There are a few videos below that may assist you with troubleshooting and disassembling your dryer.
The belt
In some dryers, a belt turns the drum. This belt can slip off, which can cause it to start melting. Because it is usually made of rubber, it will then produce a very strong, unpleasant burning odor. If your drum is not turning smoothly or properly, and you notice a bad burning smell, your belt is probably damaged.
THE MOTOR
Dryers have motors, and as they age, they can burn out just like any other motor. This causes a very strong burning smell, and your dryer will either not run at all, or it will run poorly and with a lot of noise.
Read more :http://www.ehow.com/list_7173741_causes-burning-smell-dryer.html
Causes of Burning Smell in Your Dryer eHow

If the element goes right out after about one minute make sure your vent is not restricted. On the side of the element is a high temperature thermostat designed to shut the heat off if it gets too hot inside the heater housing. Check your vent, you can even run it with the vent off the back for one load and see what it does. If you still have issues take off the back of the dryer and remove the four screws for the lint screen housing (on left as you face the rear of the dryer) remove the lint filter and then remove the two phillips screws at the lint screen opening . This will allow you to pull the whole housing out to make sure nothing fell into the lint filter opening.
Also look inside the drum at the seals in the front and back of the drum, make sure there are no big gaps that may be messing up your air flow. Look at your lint filter inlet holes also on the right side of the back wall to make sure something like a fabric softener sheet has not gotten stuck on it as well.
If all of these things check out ok then replace your cycling thermostat located just to the left of the vent connection on the back of the dryer (with panel removed).
Good Luck and let me know if you have any problems!!

1st check see if drum turning if not could be belt.Next heater circuit, check replace thermostats, Make sure filter clean and exhaust ok before above......

On the surface, this sounds like a venting or filter issue. After extended use, it's not unusual for the vent line to become semi-clogged or obstructed. Check this first. The vent line shouldn't be more than 8-10 feet, but in the real world this doesn't always happen.

Then check the lint screen and if ok, pull the unit away from the wall (turn it off first) and check for clogging in the vent line where it leaves the dryer. Take a look at the vent line itself and make sure it isn't kinked, or melted anywhere along the run.

If it still smells, there could be an issue with heating elements. This amy require a service call.

Make sure the dryer isn't overloaded - this can cause the drum to turn slower than normal and produce excess heat. The belt itself could be slipping....but that's not usually the case.

1)check for something stuck between drum and dryer housing 2)check for stuck vent flapper at exhaust opening outside 3) check dryer lint screen

Take a flashlight and look inside the drum at the holes on the back end of the drum where the hot air comes in. On mine, there is an air deflector on the back side of the drum and the space between this deflector and the drum was packed with lint. The lint blocked about half the holes. I had to take the drum out, remove this deflector by removing four screws inside the drum then cleaning out the lint. The lint was all brown and scorched.

Access is from the front. Lint screen on top? 2 screws under screen, putty knife to release front clips between top and cabinet. Top folds back and 2 5/16 screws in top corners. Lean front towards you then lift up off lower hangers. Good luck.....
eric

Motor going bad. Run windings inside are burneded up.  Start windings are ok. replace motor.

first is first ,,, disconnect dryer from plug,, now open bottom panel 2 screws ,, now go and get youre vaccum,shop vac, anything ,, reason for burning smell ,, usually catching on fire ,, we recommend do this 1 as year,,, after cleaning , put about 2-3 fabric sheets inside dryer and let it runn for about 30 minutes to remive smoke from drum,,, thank you

you can unplug the unit , and reomve the lower aces panel (3 screws along the front bottom of unit) youll probalby see an excess of lint built up in which case you can vacuum it out, and then check/clean and or replace your dryer vent